Voice: Making a deal with a dictator?

December 09, 2006

Hats off to Imperial Irrigation District board member Stella Mendoza for requesting an audit in reference to the Green Path Project. I appreciate the fact the IID Board of Directors, with the exception of Menvielle, are concerned enough about the future of IID and its customers to have as much information possible before making such an important decision. Menvielle’s reaction is not a surprise as we know his concerns lie with the water interest. And as the advocate for the farmer, that’s understandable.

I have tried repeatedly to get a response from IID Energy Manager John Federowicz regarding IID’s anticipated contractual agreement with Citizens Energy. My question is this: Why in the world would IID contract with the Citizens Energy which does business directly with Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez? Yes, the same Hugo Chavez who came to the United States a couple of months ago and made anti-U.S. statements on our own soil. How can IID contribute to the economy of a company (Citizens Energy) which deals directly with a dictator who seeks to destroy our nation? Yet we have IID salivating to expedite the Green Path Project without a detailed evaluation.

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Valleyites should be aware that current IID management does not have roots in the Imperial Valley. Their concern is not for the future and well-being of the Valley but rather for their own personal portfolio. Energy Manager Federowicz very nonchalantly shrugged off the recent electrical rate increase we all endured this summer as “a gamble that didn’t pay off.” Well Mr. Federowicz, Valleyites can no longer pay the high price of your gambling shenanigans. A man in your position should not be gambling with the moneys of individuals living in a county with one of the highest unemployment rates in the state.

Regardless of your view of the president, Chavez is vowing to destroy the U.S. government and his mission may be fueled by our U.S. dollars if IID continues in its endeavors of contracting with Citizens Energy, a company which has contracted with the Venezuelan government for many, many years.